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Vamana – The Dwarf
Vamana was the first of Vishnu’s incarnations to be born during the Treta Yuga. He is also the first of Vishnu’s incarnations to be fully human. The story goes that a great king grew in power and extend his kingdom over all the three worlds.
To restore order, Vishnu was born as Vamana, a gentle dwarf of incredible intelligence and power. He approached the king during a great festival when he could not refuse a request, and respectfully asked him if he could have three paces of land. The king humored him and granted his request. At that moment, Vamana grew to the size of the world and took three giant steps.
He stepped over heaven on his first step, and hell on his second step. The king realized Vamana was Vishnu and out of respect and honor offered his head as the third place for Vamana to place his foot. Vamana did just that and in doing so granted the king immortality.
Story of Vamana Avatar
The Vamana Avatar starts with Mahabali the Asura King. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada and the son of Virochana.
After the churning of the ocean, the Gods became immortal and powerful. Indra’s army defeated Daityaraj Bali and his army of Asuras and Daityas.
One day Daityaraj Bali went to meet Rishi Shukracharya and asked him, “Acharya please show me a way to gain back all my powers and my kingdom.”
Hearing Bali’s words, Acharya replied, “You must perform the Mahabhishek Vishwajeet Yagya, to get back all your powers.”
Bali agreed to do the Yagya under the supervision of Shukracharya. After the yagya, Bali received a golden chariot pulled by four houses that ran at the speed of wind. He also got a quiver with numerous arrows, a flag post with lion’s head and celestial armour. Along with these things Shukracharya gave him a garland of ever blooming flowers and a conch shell whose battle cry was thunderous. Then, Bali went to battle against Indra. This time Daityaraj Bali won the battle and Indra fled from the battlefield. Bali once again asked for Shukracharya’s guidance to maintain his victorious position. Shukracharya said, “If you keep on performing yagyas, you can live a fearless and powerful life. You should also give alms to poor and the Brahmins.“
Bali readily agreed to do so. Meanwhile Indra approached Acharya Brihaspati to learn a way to gain back Gods’ powers. Acharya Brihaspati asked Indra to seek Lord Vishnu’s help. Now Indra started doing penance so as to please Lord Vishnu. Maharishi Kashyap’s wife Aditi, who was Indra’s mother, saw her son in trouble and went to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu said, “I will help you, Devmata. I will be born as your son in the near future. I will and then kill Bali.”
And so it happened that Aditi gave birth to a boy. She named him Vamana. One day Vamana posed as a Brahmin and went to the spot where Shukracharya and Daityaraj Bali were performing a yagya. Bali welcomed the Brahmin boy and said, “How can I help you young Brahmin?”
The Brahmin said, “I have heard a lot about you give alms to Brahmins. I do not want wealth or luxuries; I just need the land that my three steps cover.”
All the people who were present there were surprised to hear the request of the Brahmin boy. The Asuras laughed at the boy’s request. Daityaraj Bali agreed to grant him what he wanted. Suddenly, to everyone’s surprise, the young Brahmin boy started growing in size. Soon he was larger than planet Earth itself. He took a large step and put it on Earth to claim it and said, “Now the earth is mine.” Then he took the second step and put it on Amravati which was under Bali’s control and said, “Now Amravati is mine.” Amravati was also under the Brahmin boy’s possession. Then he said, “Bali where should I keep my third step? Earth and Heaven are already mine. Now there is no place left.” Shukracharya warned Bali, “Be careful Bali! I am very sure this Brahmin is not an ordinary boy. He is surely Vamana, Lord Vishnu himself. Don’t let him take the third step or you will have to lose everything you have.” But Bali said, “Acharya, I have given him my word. I cannot go back from it. “The Asuras and Daityas heard this and stepped forward to attack Vamana, but they could not harm him at all.
Bali then addressed Vamana and said, “As nothing else is left you may keep your third step on my head.”
Hearing Bali’s words, Lord Vishnu appeared in his true form and said, “I bless you, Bali. From now on, you will rule Pataal Lok forever.”
Thus Bali went away to Pataal Lok. Indra and the other Gods retained Amravati due to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana Avtar.
Introduction to Vamana Avatar
Vamana Avatar
Vamana refers to the Vamana Avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, the God of protection and sustenance. The Sanskrit word ‘Vamana’ is a term used to refer to a ’dwarf,’ and in this Avatar, the Lord appears as a virtual mendicant, who is young and also short in appearance.
Significance of Vamana Avatar
As the protector of the worlds, Lord Vishnu himself takes incarnations on earth whenever the need arises, to defeat evil, restore dharma (righteousness) and to establish goodwill. Vamana Avatar is one such sacred incarnation of the Lord and is regarded as the fifth of his 10 famous incarnations. This incarnation is believed to have been taken during the epoch – Treta Yuga.
Depiction of Vamana Avatar
Vamana was a short-statured, celibate, Brahmin boy, with adorable divine features. The form can be termed somewhat deceptive, as Lord Vishnu assumed this manifestation to get the better of an upright but haughty demon called Maha Bali and put him in place, for restoring to the Devas, their rightful kingdom.
Mythology behind Vamana Avatar
Bhagavata Purana narrates the exciting legend around Vamana’s incarnation. Once, a king called Bali, who was the grandson of the Vishnu-devotee Prahlada, ruled the Asuras (demons). Bali was basically principled and generous, though egoistic and arrogant. Guided by his Guru Shukracharya, he did severe penance, attained tremendous boons, ran over the earth, snatched the kingdom of the Devas from them and became the undisputed monarch of even the heavens. Bali, thus, became Maha Bali, the one of immense might. However, desirous of growing all the more powerful and for bringing more and more land under his reign, he began performing 100 very powerful Yagnas (fire sacrifices). Thus, he started posing to be a serious threat to the Devas (celestial beings), whom, he had already dislodged from their land and positions. Aditi, a very pious woman, was the mother of Indra, the God of the Devas. Worried about the poor state and the vulnerable position that her son was in, she approached her husband, sage Kashyapa and on his advice, observed intense austerities, propitiating Lord Vishnu. The Lord pleased with her devotion agreed to her plea of saving her son and other Gods from oblivion and took birth as her own son, Vamana.
Soon, the young boy with a sacred thread across his chest, loincloth around the waist and holding an umbrella, walked into the site of Bali’s sacrifice. The glowing radiance of the Brahmachari (celibate) made a deep impression in Bali who welcomed the boy with all the honors and promised to give him in charity, whatever he wanted. Sensing the opportunity, the Lord who had come as the dwarf Vamana, asked for only three paces of land, which he could measure with his own small feet. Though surprised, Bali agreed to this strange request, and made a promise. And lo and behold! Immediately, the boy began growing immense in size and in no time, stood there in front of Bali as Trivikrama, in all his massive form. With his first step, he measured the earth and with the second, he simply covered all the heavens. Bali realized who the stranger actually was, and though badly outwitted, he was still honest and graceful and bowed to the Lord, offering him, his head for placing his third step. Vamana did so and pushed Bali to the world below, thus restoring the heavens to the Devas. However, supremely pleased with Bali’s integrity and devotion, the Lord blessed him with immortality, and agreed to his wish of being his well-wisher, protector, and guardian, forever.
Blessings of Worshipping Vamana Avatar
People offer regular worship to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations like Vamana at homes and in temples, praying for their welfare. Vamana Avatar is said to have taken place on Shravana Nakshatra and also on the 12th Dwadasi day of Shukla Paksha, the waxing Moon phase in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). This is celebrated as Vamana Jayanthi or Vamana Dwadasi, when people offer special worships to him, seeking relief from sufferings and praying for salvation.
Events Related to Vamana Avatar
Vamana Avatar is said to have taken place on the Dwadasi, the 12th lunar day of Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of the Moon during the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The star, Shravana also rules that day. These occasions are celebrated as Vamana Jayanthi or Vamana Dwadasi, when people offer special prayers to the Lord, seeking relief from hardships and attain Moksha (salvation).
Introduction to the Story of Vamana Avatar
India has a rich culture that is full of temples, different Gods, and mythological stories revolving around Gods. Vishnu, one of the Gods who created the world, is supposed to have many avatars (or incarnations), and the Vaman avatar of lord Vishnu is his fifth avatar in the form of a Vamana meaning dwarf.
The stories about Indian Gods are extremely interesting and full of tales of supernatural powers, where Gods and demons fight to take control of the world. In this story, we will learn about how the dwarf avatar of Vishnu, Vamana, took control of the universe which had fallen into the hands of demon (Asura) king Bali.
The story on one side depicts the victory of good over evil and also tells us that one should not underestimate someone who seems to be of short stature (it could be in terms of size, money, social status, etc.)
Origin of the Vamana Avatar Story
The Vamana avatar story has its roots in one of the four Vedas, the Rigveda. Rigveda means knowledge of the verses and is the oldest of the four Vedas. Rigveda was composed in a language called Vedic which is an archaic form of classical Sanskrit. Rigveda originated somewhere between 1500 and 1200 BCE in that region of India which is now Pakistan.
The Vaman avatar of lord Vishnu is also known as Trivikraman which means three steps (since Vamana won the entire universe from Asura Bali in just three steps and gave it back to Lord Indra.) Vamana in English means someone of short stature or like a dwarf. Vamana was born to the great sage Kashyap and his wife Aditi. The sons of Aditi were called Adityas and Vamana was the youngest Aditya. One of the Adityas, Indra, was defeated by Daitya Bali who was the king of demons. This story talks about how Gods pleaded to Visnu to spare them the evils of Bali and how Vishnu took his Vamana avatar to achieve this goal.
Summary of Vamana Avatar Story
After Gods obtained Amrit (a divine drink that grants immortality to those who drink it) from churning the ocean, they became invincible and extremely powerful.
The Asura king Mahabali (son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada) then performs Mahabhishek Vishwajeet Yagya after consulting Rishi Shukracharya on how to defeat Indra, the king of Gods. After the Yagya, Bali fought back with Indra and defeated him. Thereby, the reign of the entire universe fell in Bali’s hands.
Gods were threatened by Bali’s rule and Indra then pleaded to Lord Vishnu to help him find a way to regain his powers. Vishnu then decided to be reincarnated as Aditi and Kashyap’s son (parents of Indra) and visit Bali’s court. Bali was a pious person and when he met Brahmin Vamana, Bali was performing Yagya. He welcomed Vamana and asked him what he would like to receive as a gift from Bali. Vamana said he only wanted as much land as he could cover in three steps. Bali laughed at this small request and agreed readily.
The young brahmin boy, Vamana then started growing in size and grew larger than the planet Earth in no time. He took his first step in which he captured the entire Earth and claimed Earth as his. His second step fell midway between Earth and heaven, which he claimed as his. Now there was no place to claim for the third step, so Vamana asked Bali where to keep his third step. Since Bali had promised three steps of land, he lowered his head and offered it for the third step. Vamana then pushed Bali with the pressure of his feet to the Patal Lok or netherworld and granted the kingdom of Pataal Lok to Bali forever.
Pictorial Representation of the Vamana Avatar Story
The Moral of Vamana Avatar Story
Every avatar of the divine or Paramatma has a message or moral behind it. This story teaches us numerous morals, such as:
Surrender yourself totally to God, however strong and mighty you might be. It’s only when you shed all ego and surrender yourself to God you will have nothing to worry about, as you will have the complete protection of God. This is what Bali did in the end, and received the kingship of Patal Lok in return. God also promised to always protect Bali’s kingdom for the complete devotion Bali displayed to Vamana.
One should never take anything to be permanent and for granted in this world. All the wealth, power, beauty, status, family, etc., are transitory. Just as Lord Indra was defeated by Bali, any mighty person might fall someday.
One should always control one’s senses. If you do not control your desires, you will never be happy, even if you have all the riches in the world.
A promise is meant to be kept and not forsaken ever. Since Bali promised land covered by three steps of Vamana, he did not go back on it even when he lost the whole universe. He even offered his head in the end to Vamana for the third step.
Vamana- The 5th Avatar Of Lord Vishnu
One of Hinduism‘s most revered deities is Vishnu. Vishnu is one of the foremost trinities of Hinduism, along with Brahma and Shiva. If disorder or sin threatens humanity, Vishnu will enter the world under one of his incarnations to bring about justice. Additionally, the ten Vishnu avatars are typically understood as Dasavatara. Each has a distinct structure and function. When a person encounters a problem, a specific avatar appears to solve the problem. Lord Vishnu Vamana avatar is the 5th in line of order.
The 5th Avatar of Vishnu
The first avatar in which Lord Vishnu assumed a human form was the Vamana Avatar. The Vamana Avatar is the 5th of Vishnu’s Dasavatar. According to the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to reclaim Indra’s control over the Swarg after Mahabali, a kind Asura king, had usurped it. One may wonder why Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar. So, here is the story of his Vaman avatar.
Vamana Avatar Story
The reason behind the Vaman avatar was Asura King Bali, the grandson of Prahalad. Mahabali was an excellent king, and his subjects adored him. Under his leadership, the populace was very content and prosperous. His guru, Shukracharya, was an excellent battle planner. Bali quickly conquered the three realms with his assistance. After defeating Indra, Bali seized control of the realms and the heavens.
The folklore of Vaishnavism states that the conquered Devas asked Vishnu for assistance in their conflict with Bali. Due to Mahabali’s virtue as a ruler and his devotion to him, Vishnu refrained from joining the gods in waging war against him. Bali, therefore, defeated the gods through intense religious practice and austerity. Lord Indra, the king of Swarg, was thrown out by Bali.
When Guru Shukracharya invited Bali to tell him that he controlled all the three realms, Guru also warned him that if he wanted to be the ruler of all three of them, he needed to perform the hundredth Ashwamedha Yajna. He had to participate as he was the monarch. So Bali right away started the process of preparations.
The Birth of Vamana
Aditi, the mother of the Devas, on the other hand, was dismayed by her son Indra’s pitiful condition and turned to Lord Vishnu for assistance. In response, Lord Vishnu makes a promise to become her son. Thereafter, Lord Vishnu was born as a divine child on the holy confluence of Sravana and Devdasi. He then transformed himself into a dwarf brahmin boy named Vamana and went to the spot where Sukracharya and Bali were performing their Yagya.
Bali was granting crowds’ wishes during an Ashwamedha Yajna out of kindness. At this ritual, Vamana, a dwarf monastic Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, represents Vishnu. The Brahmin was honoured by the king, who then extended an invitation for him to accept anything. Guru Shukracharya, however, was checking the boy and noticed that the Brahmin was Lord Vishnu. Bali was forewarned that the boy was none other than Lord Vishnu, who had come to deceive Bali on behalf of Indra.
The boy was given any and all of the king’s offerings, including meals, villages, cattle, elephants, and gems. The boy claimed that one should never seek more than one requirement. Then, all they require is the right to own a plot of land that is the size of their three steps. The dwarf’s request amuses Bali, who grants it without hesitation.
Intervention Of Lord Vishnu
Vamana then evolves into a cosmically sized giant. In three steps, Vamana sweeps the heavens, the earth, and Mahabali’s head, which he steps on to send the demon king to the Patala (underworld). Bali became the ruler of Patal Lok at that point. Lord Vishnu then manifested in his true form and bestowed immortality upon Bali in appreciation for his selflessness.
Thanks to Vamana avatar of Vishnu, Indra and other deities have retained their heavenly home. Moreover, he bought peace back to Swarg Lok.
1. How many incarnations of Lord Vishnu are there?
The ten Vishnu avatars are typically understood as Dasavatara. Each has a distinct structure and function. All ten of them have protected the world from different beings and situations with their strength and wit. The ten Avatars in order are- Matsya; Kurma; Varaha; Narasimha; Vamana; Parashurama; Rama; Krishna or Balarama; Buddha or Krishna; and Kalki.
2. Which gods make up the Holy Trinity of Hinduism?
Vishnu is one of the foremost trinities of Hinduism, along with Brahma and Shiva. They all signify different meanings in context to life. They are the Trimukti which means the three forms. Lord Brahma is considered the creator, Lord Vishnu is the protector or preserver and Lord Shiva is the destroyer.
3. Who was Bali?
Asura King Bali was the grandson of Prahalad. Bali threw King Indra out of Swarg Lok as he captured all three realms of the world and became the ruler of them. Mahabali was a wonderful king, and his subjects adored him.
4. Who was the mother of Indra and Devas?
Aditi is the mother of Devas and Indra. She is the mother of Gods. She is the Goddess of motherhood. Aditi governs fertility, consciousness, and the future.
5. What did the Vaman demand from Bali?
The boy claimed that one should never seek more than one requirement. Then, all they require is the right to own a plot of land that is the size of their three steps. Vaman was the 5th Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
6. Was Bali a good King?
Mahabali was a wonderful king, and his subjects adored him. Under his leadership, the populace was very content and prosperous. He was also selfless enough to obey Lord Vishnu’s orders. To reward Bali, Lord Vishnu granted him immorality.
The Vāmana Avatar is the first Avatar in which Lord Vishnu incarnated as a human. He is also the first incarnation of the Second Age or Treta Yuga. This is the fifth of the Dasavatar.
Shrimad Bhagavata Purana describes that, Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by a benevolent Asura King Mahabali (or simply called Bali).
Aditi took Payovrata to propitiate Lord Vishnu. As a result, Vishnu incarnates as Vamana and was born from Aditi and Kashyapa. He is the first avatar to seem with anthropomorphic aspects, although he does seem like a dwarf Namboothiri Brahmin. He is the twelfth of the Adityas. He was extremely intelligent and full of pranks.
Why Lord Vishnu incarnates as a Human ?
The Vamana Avatar starts with the Asura King Mahabali (or simply called Bali). Bali was the great grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the grand son of Prahlada and son of Virochana.
Mahabali was a a great ruler and his people loved him. The people were very happy and prosperous under his rule. He was taught the Vedas by his grandfather Prahlada and after that by his teacher Shukracharya.
[After the churning of the ocean, when the Devas had taken the Amrit, Indra had killed Bali. Shukracharya brought back Bali to life, with the help of his Mrita-Sanjibani mantra.]
Bali performed severe penance to Lord Brahma. Finally Lord Brahma appeared him and without asking any questions, he granted Bali his boon.
Shukracharya was a very good battle strategist. With his help, Bali soon conquered the three worlds. Bali defeated Indra and took over the heavens and taking over the three worlds. According to Vaishnavism mythology, the defeated Devas approached Vishnu for help in their battle with Bali. Vishnu refused to join the gods in violence against Mahabali, because Mahabali was a good ruler and his own devotee. So Bali conquered the gods through great religious practice and asceticism. He drove out Lord Indra.
Guru Shukracharya once called him, ‘Bali! You have now conquered the three worlds. However if you wish to always be the Lord of the three worlds, you have to perform Hundredth Ashwamedha Yajnas (homa sacrifices). It is befitting that a king like you should perform the Ashwamedha Yajna, then you will always be the king of the Three worlds.’ And Bali nodded his head and started about making preparations for the Yajna.
While Indra was sitting beside his mother Aditi in his father – Kashyap’s hermitage. Aditi knew what are the problems with the Devas and suggested to meet with Lord Vishnu to Indra. And he went to Lord Vishnu for help in conquering Bali and taking back his place with Gods in heaven. Lord Vishnu obliged him and took birth as a Dwarf Brahmin boy from Aditi and Kashyapa.
Throughout an Ashwamedha Yajna, Bali was granting desires to his crowds out of his kindness.
Vishnu appears at this ceremony as a dwarf mendicant Brahmin called Vamana transport a woody umbrella.
The king honored the Brahmin and invited him to receive anything from him. However Guru Shukracharya was looking at the boy suspiciously and recognized the Brahmin’s true self as Lord Vishnu. He warned Bali, ‘The boy is none other than Lord Vishnu. He has come here on behalf of Indra. If you give him what he wants, all will be lost…’
The king offered anything to the boy – gold, cows, elephants, villages, food, whatever he wished. The boy said that one must not seek more than one needs, and all he needs is the property right over a piece of land that measures “three paces”. Bali finds the dwarf’s request amusingly small and irrevocably grants it.
Then Vamana then grows into a giant of cosmic proportions. In one step he covers the earth, in another the heavens, and for the third, Mahabali offers his head on which Vamana steps, sending the demon king to the Patala (netherworld). And gave the king immortality for his humility.
He was also allowed to return every year to see the citizens of his country. The festival of Onam for some and first day of Diwali for some is related to this return of Mahabali to a visit to earth once every year. Some texts state that Vamana gave the lordship of the netherworld to Bali.
The Vamana avatar has roots in Vedic texts of Hinduism. The hymns of the Rigveda describes Vishnu as that benevolent god who in three steps defined all there is in the universe. The giant form of Vamana is also known as Trivikrama (literally, “three steps”).
The legend of Vishnu covering the universe in three steps is found in Vedic texts. For example, hymns, 1.22 and 1.154 of the Rigveda describe Vishnu as that bountiful, kind, just god in three steps defined all there is in the universe. Other Rigvedic hymns that mention three steps of Vishnu include 1.154, 6.49, 7.100 and 8.29, and in these the context is of a benevolent god who protects the oppressed humanity by his creative acts against the evil.
Indra and the other Devas came back to their skies Paradise grateful that they had got back their kingdom. They were happy.
Some believe that Lord Bali is supposed to return every year on the earth. Hence, Onam festival is celebrated in welcoming Bali home to his lost kingdom.
Lord Vishnu incarnated Vamana Avatar in Treta- Yug to protect Indra’s kingdom. This is the first avatar were Lord Vishnu incarnated himself in a human form – a dwarf priest. After Prahlad, his son Virechana became the king of asuras and Virechana was followed by Bali who was the grandson of Prahlad -a mighty asura. Bali was a great leader who brought peace to his land and under his reign everyone was very happy. Like his grandfather Prahlad, he was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and had learned vedas from his grandfather Prahlad and later from his guru Shukracharya. In order to take place of Indra (king of heaven), Bali started performing prayers to Lord Brahma.
Vamana Avatar
Lord Brahma appeared and asked for his wish. Bali answered, “Lord everyone is afraid of asuras and in that way I am unable to do good to others, please make me as powerful as Indra so that I can bring good to mankind. Also I can’t be defeated in any wars.” Brahmaji granted him his wish.
Vamana Jayanti is the appearance day of Lord Vamana. The Supreme Lord appeared as the son of Kashyapa and Aditi in the form of a dwarf Brahmana (Vamana) to deliver Bali Maharaja, a great devotee born in the family of demons.
Sri Jayadeva Gosvami sings:
chalayasi vikramane balim adbhuta-vamana
pada-nakha-nira-janita-jana-pavana
kesava dhrta-vamana-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
O Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a dwarf-brahmana! All glories to You! O wonderful dwarf, by Your massive steps You deceive King Bali, and by the Ganges water that has emanated from the nails of Your lotus feet; You deliver all living beings within this world.
Vamana Jayanti celebration
The Deity of Lord Sri Krishna is decorated as Vamanadeva, wearing a saffron robe and holding a staff, an umbrella and a water pot (kamandalu).
Devotees observe complete fasting till noon, in addition to Ekadashi fasting, on this auspicious day.
Contribute generously towards Annadana Seva on the auspicious occasion of Vamana Jayanti.
Vamana Avatar
Vamana, the dwarf, is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is also the first incarnation of the Second Age or Treta Yuga. The Bhagawat Purana describes that Lord Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the power of Lord Indra over the heavens, which was taken by King Bali. The story of Lord Indra and King Bali is narrated below.
Bali conquered the gods through great religious practice and asceticism. He drove out Lord Indra, the king Gods. Indra went to Lord Vishnu for help in conquering Bali and taking back his place with Gods in heaven. Lord Vishnu obliged him and took birth as a Brahmin. He went to King Bali’s sacrifice ceremony. The king honored the Brahmin and invited him to receive anything from him. Shukra, Bali’s guru recognized the Brahmin’s true self as Lord Vishnu. He warned the king, but in vain.
The Brahmin, Vamana then requested Bali to grant him as much land as his legs could cover in three steps. The king did as he vowed but to his dismay, as when Vamana took his first two steps, he encompassed the earth, the middle world, and the heavens–and returned them to Lord Indra. To complete his promise, Bali offered his own head to Vamana for his final step. Vamana taught King Bali that pride and wealth is transitory and can easily disappear. Some believe that Lord Bali is supposed to return every year on the earth. Hence, Onam festival is celebrated in welcoming Bali home to his lost kingdom.
Who Was Vamana?
Vamana was the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is perhaps best known for his ‘triple step’ which he took in order to defeat the demon king Bali. Vamana is also known as Upendra and Trivikrama.Â
Vamana was born to Kashyapa and Aditi, and is often depicted with a mace and conch shell. He is usually shown as being very tall, with long hair and a beard.Â
Vamana’s most famous story is that of his battle with Bali. Bali had become a powerful demon king, and was terrorizing the world. The gods went to Lord Vishnu for help, and he took the form of Vamana.Â
Vamana approached Bali and asked for three paces of land. Bali agreed, not knowing what Vamana planned to do. Vamana then grew to an enormous size, and with his first step covered the entire earth. With his second step he covered the entire sky. Bali had nowhere to go, and with his third step Vamana pushed him down into the underworld.Â
The Story Of Vamana
The fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu is known as Vamana. He is also known as Upendra. Vamana was born to a Brahmin couple, Kashyapa and Aditi. He is the younger brother of Indra, the king of the Devas.
Vamana is depicted as a dwarf holding a umbrella or parasol. He is often shown standing on top of a demon king, who represents ignorance and ego. Vamana is said to represent the qualities of humility, simplicity and compassion.
The story of Vamana begins with the demon king, Mahabali. Mahabali was a very powerful ruler who had conquered all the three worlds. The Devas were afraid of him and they approached Lord Vishnu for help.
Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana and went to Mahabali’s kingdom. He asked for three steps of land from the king. Mahabali agreed to this request and Vamana proceeded to take his first step.
With his first step, Vamana covered the entire earth. With his second step, he covered the entire sky. For his third step, Mahabali offered his head and Vamana stepped on his head and the demon king was banished to Patala. The earth and the sky parted ways and the world continued.There are many stories in Hinduism that talk about the importance of humility, simplicity and compassion. The story of Vamana is one such story.
What Is Vamana Jayanti?
Vamana Jayanti is the day on which Lord Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is believed to have been born. It is celebrated on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the month of Margashirsha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, devotees offer special prayers and pujas to Lord Vamana and seek his blessings.
Significance of the Day
In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu is known as the protector of the universe and is often depicted as holding a conch shell and a discus weapon. He is also known as the preserver of balance and harmony in the world. One of his most famous avatars is Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Vamana is known as the dwarf avatar of Lord Vishnu. He appeared during a time when the demon king Mahabali ruled over the three worlds. Mahabali was a just and fair ruler but he became arrogant and wished to conquer the heaven. The gods appealed to Lord Vishnu for help and he took on the form of Vamana.
On the day of Mahabali’s yajna, Vamana approached him and asked for three paces of land. Mahabali agreed and Vamana began to grow in size until he was gigantic. With his first two steps, he covered the earth and the sky. For his third step, Mahabali offered his head on which Vamana placed his foot and pushed him down to Patala, the netherworld.
Lord Vamana is one of the significant forms of Lord Vishnu. It is the fifth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu Purana and Shrimudagvad Purana have described this incarnation of Lord Vishnu in great detail. It describes the glory of Lord Vamana.
As per the legends, Asuras or Daityas lost the battle against Devas. Bali, the king of Asuras became unconscious from the attack of Indra Dev and was on the death bed. At that point of time, Shukracharya gave his life-saving herb (Sanjeevani) to all the Asuras who were unconscious and attacked and helped them to regain their life and strength. After that, King Bali performed austerity and became powerful than Devas. He achieved divine chariot, trident, and armor for his protection through his austerities and went back to battle with Devas in heaven.
Indra Deva got to know about the intentions of King Bali and that he will be able to conquer heaven in this battle once he completes his 100 yagnas, Indra Deva went to Lord Vishnu and asked for his help. In order to protect Devas from the wrath of Asuras, Lord Vishnu incarnates into Lord Vamana and takes birth from the womb of Aditi, wife of Saint Kashyap. Thereafter, Saint Kashyap asked his wife Aditi to observe Payo Fast to get blessed by a son. Consequently, on the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month, Aditi gave birth to a son who was named Vamana. He adopts the form of Brahmachari.
Vamana was offered different things by each saint and goddesses, such as from Saint Pulaha, deerskin from Agastya, butea rod from Marichi, clothes from Angiras, umbrella from Sun, from Bhrigu, Sacred thread, and Kamandal from Guru Deva, loincloth from Aditi, Rudraksha from Saraswati and begging tray from Kuber. Soon after he grew up, Vamana went to see King Bali on the day of his 100th Ashwamedh Yagna. King Bali asked Brahmin Vamana to ask for anything he desires. Vamana asked for three paces of land that he could measure from his own feet. Since he had made a promise, he could not deny it and had to fulfill the Brahmins wish. Vamana took the first step, encompassing the whole earth, and the second covered the heavens. In this way, he conquered two of the three worlds. There was no place to keep the third step on which Bali offered his head to Vamana. Vamana accepted it and placed his last step on Bali’s head.
Lord Vishnu was pleased by the integrity of Bali of fulfilling his promise. He blessed Bali with one desire. Bali asked Lord Vishnu to be present in front of him day and night so that he is able to worship him. To keep his promise and to fulfill Bali’s desire Lord Vishnu had to become his gatekeeper.